Ordering repeat prescriptions
You can order repeat prescriptions in the following ways:
Request on the NHS App
The NHS App is the easiest and most convenient way to request your repeat prescriptions.
- View all your repeat medications and dosages
- Select the items you need
- Track the status of your request
- Choose or change your nominated pharmacy
You can also use your NHS account on the NHS website to request repeat prescriptions.
Other ways to order Online
Order online via Patient Access
If you prefer, you can also order your prescriptions through Patient Access.
Email your prescription request
You are also able to email us at scripts.frmc@nhs.net
In person
You can also request your prescriptions in person by:
Bringing your repeat slip into the surgery
You can drop your repeat slip into the prescription box at reception. Tick the items you need. We are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6:30pm.
Speaking to your Nominated Pharmacy
Your nominated pharmacy can request your repeat prescription on your behalf.
They’ll send the request to us and let you know when your medication is ready for collection.
Please allow extra time for the pharmacy to process and dispense your prescription.
Sending you repeat slip by post
You can also post your repeat medication slip to us, including your Full Name, Date of Birth, and Up-to-date Contact Number. Make sure you select items you require on your slip as well as your Nominated Pharmacy.
Warning advice: Why we don’t take prescription requests by phone
Requesting prescriptions by phone increases the risk of errors, such as mishearing medication names, dosages, or patient details.
To keep you safe, we only accept written requests, either online or on paper, as they provide a clear and auditable record.
Collecting your prescription
You can usually collect your prescription from your pharmacy 3 to 5 working days after you place your request. Requests received after 1pm will be classed as the following day.
We’re unable to contact patients individually when prescriptions are ready, due to the high volume we process.
However, the NHS App can notify you when your prescription is ready and provide a barcode to collect it—making the process quicker and easier.
Choose or Change Your Pharmacy (Nominate a Pharmacy)
To collect your prescription, you must nominate a pharmacy—this means selecting a pharmacy where your prescriptions will be sent electronically.
You can change your nominated pharmacy at any time:
- Through the NHS App or NHS website
- At your GP practice
- At any pharmacy that offers repeat prescriptions
Processing Times
Prescription requests take 72 hours for processing, this does not include weekends or Bank Holidays. Requests received after 1pm will be classed as the following day. Due to the high volume of prescriptions, we are unable to contact patients to let them know their prescription has been processed.
Medication Reviews
Patients on repeat medication will be asked to see a clinician at least once a year to review these regular medications. You will be notified by the practice when you are due and be asked to book in at the practice. When asked to book we ask that this be done to avoid unnecessary delays to further prescriptions
Questions about your prescription
If you have questions about your medicine, your local pharmacists can answer these. They can also answer questions on medicines you can buy without a prescription.
If you would like to speak to someone at the GP surgery about your prescription:
- Please raise an Online Request request with the details of their query for our Clinical Pharmacist Team to review.
- Alternatively, you can send an email to us at scripts.frmc@nhs.net or call us on 0161 748 2021.
The NHS website has information on how your medicine works, how and when to take it, possible side effects and answers to your common questions.
What to do if you have run out of your medication
Should you be without your medication or need it before the allocated processing time, please call 111 or visit 111 Online to arrange an emergency supply of your required item(s).
What to do with old medicines
Please return old or unused medicines to your local pharmacy or bring them to the surgery for safe disposal.
Do not throw them in your household bin or flush them down the toilet, as this can be harmful to others and the environment.
Prescribing Guidance for Self Care/Self-Limiting conditions
In March 2018 NHS England published new prescribing guidance covering 35 minor, short term health conditions which are either self-limiting or suitable for self-care. A ‘self-limiting’ condition does not require any medical advice or treatment as it will usually clear up on its own (such as sore throats, coughs, colds and viruses) and a ‘minor illness that is suitable for self-care’ can be treated with items that can be purchased over the counter from a pharmacy.
The new guidance from NHS England recommends that GPs no longer prescribe medicines that are readily available over the counter at pharmacies. Vitamins, minerals and pro-biotics are also included. Patients who receive free prescriptions will not automatically be exempt from this guidance.
Prescription charges
Visit the NHS website for the latest information on prescription charges:
About pharmacists
Pharmacists are qualified healthcare professionals who can give expert advice on a range of minor health concerns, including:
- Coughs and colds
- Sore throats
- Tummy troubles
- Aches and pains
- Other common minor illnesses
They can also help you choose the right over-the-counter medicines without needing a prescription.
Most pharmacies are open late and on weekends, and you don’t need an appointment.
Many also have private consultation rooms, so you can speak to pharmacy staff confidentially.
Trafford Minor Ailments
The Minor Ailment Scheme is designed to enable people with minor health conditions to access medicines and advice they would otherwise visit their doctor for. It allows patients to see a qualified health professional at a convenient and accessible location within their community and means patients do not need to wait for a GP appointment or queue up for a valuable A&E slot with a non-urgent condition.
The Minor Ailment Scheme increases the NHS resources by utilising pharmacists, with their extensive knowledge, in supporting GPs. This allows GPs to concentrate on the complex clinical needs of their patients and provides patients with a additional NHS professional resources that can confidentiality and quickly address their needs when suffering from minor ailments. Please ask at reception for more information and a list of participating pharmacies.
Help with Online Services
Need help registering or booking online?
Visit our Online Services Help page or call reception for assistance.